WINNING Keegan Cup captains from six different decades gathered to remember the late Tom Keegan in Killary cemetery, outside Lobinstown, last Sunday evening.

The commemoration was organised by the Syddan GAA club to mark the 75th anniversary of the player's death in 1940.

Tom Keegan died two day after receiving a serious head injury playing for Syddan against Castletown in an IFC semi-final in Rathkenny.

Some years later the Syddan club decided to present a cup in his memory to the Meath County Board for the senior football championship.

Ita McCormack wife of the late Tony, who was the first recipient of the Keegan Cup when O'Mahonys won the title in 1953 was among the large attendance as was Bernadette Farrelly, wife of the late Tommy, the only Syddan man to captain a winning Keegan Cup team.

Jim and Paddy Fitzsimons the only brothers to captain winning Keegan Cup sides were also present. Former MEP Jim led O'Mahonys to the last of their five-in-a-row in 1961 while Paddy was captain when O'Mahonys won back the title in 1963.

Other captains in attendance included Brendan Cahill, Joe Cassells, Brian Smyth, Donal Smyth, Finian Murtagh, Colm Ratty, Alan Reilly (all O'Mahonys), Christy Bowens, Eamonn O'Brien, Gerry McLoughlin, Gerry Cooney (Walterstown), Donie Mooney, Mattie Kerrigan (Summerhill), Austin Reddan, Pat Bruton (Kilbride), Mick O'Dowd (Skryne), John Brady (Dunderry), Darren McGrath (Wolfe Tones).

Family members of Tom Keegan were also present, including his grand-nephew, former Meath midfielder Brian Meade (Rathkenny).

The Meath Co Board were represented by chairman Conor Tormey, Peter O'Halloran (vice-chairman), secretary (Francis Flynn), Mairead Delaney (assistant secretary), and Jim Mullery (assistant treasurer).

Former chairmen who presented the Keegan Cup down the years in attendance included Brian Smyth, Pat O'Neill, Fintan Ginnity and Barney Allen. Paddy Kavanagh who refereed six Keegan Cup finals as well as one replay was also there.

Children from Syddan underage teams lined the pathway to the newly renovated graveside. Fr Michael Sheerin PP conducted a prayer service while members of Lobinstown church choir provided the music.

Leinster Council delegate Brendan Cummins recalled the life of Tom Keegan as well as the history of the cup. Gerard Meegan recited a poem entitled Tom Keegan, penned by his late father Paddy.

The commemoration finished with a rendering of Beautiful Meath from the internationally renowned Mary Duff, accompanied by her father, former Meath star Tom, on the accordian.

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